How to Increase Your Home Value

It's a common question brought to our attention from many future home-sellers. They want to know how they can make their home more valuable to potential buyers. Before you go and spend any money, let's talk about several things you can do to increase your home value and get the asking price you want.

How to Increase Your Home Value (No Matter Your Budget)

1. Add a Fresh Layer of Paint

There's a reason that before a new tenant moves into an apartment, management will have the walls freshly painted. And your home is no different.

House hunters notice seemingly small details like this. When a house is freshly painted, it's one less thing they have to worry about. Of course, you could hire painters to do it for you. But if you're looking to save money, head to your local home improvement store, buy a few gallons, and get to work.

2. Install a Water Filtration System

This is a nice add-on for people who don't want to drink tap water but also don't want the added expense of bottled water (not to mention the environmental damage it entails). Depending on what kind of system you get and how much of your house you apply it to, you could be spending anywhere from $50 to over $1,000.

It really just depends on what option you go with. Do your due diligence to see what's in your budget, and consider installing a system to increase your home value.

3. Hire Professional Cleaners to Do a Deep Cleaning

The floor of the shower. The borders of the sink faucets. Ovens and stovetops. When people come see your home, make no mistake about it: They're looking at everything with a very sharp eye. It's almost as if they're searching for ways to "deduct points" from you.

On the flip side, this means that when you go the extra mile to wow them, they'll take note of that, too.

Hire a cleaning service to come to your home and do a deep cleaning. Even if you clean it yourself on a regular basis, they'll show up with industrial-strength supplies and solutions and spend a good three or four hours getting into every nook and cranny.

You only need to do it once. After that, simply make a point to maintain it. Your potential buyers will notice.

4. Spruce Up Your Garden

Your landscaping is the first impression people will have of your home — make it count.

To be clear, you don't need to go spend an arm and a leg to completely redo your yard. However, if you spend one weekend planting new flowers in the front yard, you can easily increase your home value.

On this note, be sure to plant things that are low-maintenance. You should also consider sticking with plants that are native to your region. Otherwise, this can backfire and ultimately mean more responsibility (and money) for the buyer.

5. Update the "Accessories"

Look to extras like faucets, doorknobs, and cabinet handles. Are they dated and worn out? Could you spend a little cash to purchase something nicer?

Never forget that the little details make a huge difference. In fact, you've probably experienced this yourself. Maybe you went house hunting or even just visited the home of a friend and noticed something that was small but still, for whatever reason, caught your eye.

That's the power of replacing accessories like doorknobs and handles.

6. Tint Your Windows

Just like you get your car windows tinted to keep it cool, you can do the same with your home. And especially in a city like Las Vegas, this isn't just a luxury — it feels like an actual necessity.

You have the option to buy the film and apply it yourself. Full disclosure, though: It's at least a two-person job. The other option is to hire a professional service or even a handyman to come do it for you.

It's worth the extra expense for both you and the future residents. Window tinting helps keep your home cool and will also give your utility bill a break. It's a win-win.

7. Install Solar Panels on the Roof

This is an investment — one that surely pays off and thus looks attractive to potential buyers.

Not only is there a federal tax benefit (as of right now), but you're doing something great for the environment and in the long run, saving yourself/your future buyer a good deal of money. In a city like Las Vegas, solar panels are becoming more common. Just check out people's roofs as you drive through different neighborhoods and you'll see for yourself.

It might not be as simple as planting flowers, but it's worth looking into if you want to increase your home value.

8. Upgrade the Biggies

One thing potential buyers are nervous about are the more expensive appliances and features — and whether they're truly in good shape. Think things like the furnace, air conditioning unit, roof, and plumbing. The savvy home buyer is going to ask about these things.

At the very least, have these things inspected by a professional and ask for confirmation that they're in tip-top shape. If they're not, have them repaired or upgraded — even if this means replacing them.

Of course, this can get pricey. Do you know what's even more expensive? Not being able to sell your home for the price you want because the AC unit is old or the water heater occasionally stops working.

9. Make it a Smart House

These days, there are "smart" devices for everything. From thermostats and carbon monoxide detectors to refrigerators, doorbell cameras, and lights, there are many ways to make your home a smart home.

And this isn't just a status symbol. It's also about keeping the occupants of the home safe. That's something your future resident will take note of.

10. Rule of Thumb: Create an Experience

While this isn't a concrete tip, it's an important reminder you should take note of. When buyers come look at your home, yes, they're looking at logistics, appliances, and other tangible assets. However, they're also trying to imagine themselves living there.

You don't need us to tell you that as humans, we form emotional bonds to our homes. And this is something you want to help foster. Does your home feel warm? Inviting? Comfortable? When you yourself shop for homes, what clues do you look for that you'd love living there?

Bear in mind that this is an emotional decision for people as well as a financial one. Keep this a priority as you prepare to sell your home.

If you need help selling your home in Las Vegas, contact The Brendan King Group today.